Melaka records almost 50% increase in HFMD cases

KUALA LUMPUR (July 22): Melaka has seen an increase of almost 50% in the number of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases since Jan 1 until last Wednesday, reported Bernama yesterday. 

This means there were 1,446 cases compared with 795 cases during the same period last year

State Health Committee chairman Low Chee Leong told the media that despite the rising cases and with a number schools and child centres ordered to close, the spread of the disease was still under control.

Low was officiating the launch of the state-level World’s Blood Donors Day in Melaka yesterday.

Also present at the event was Melaka Health director Datuk Dr Ghazali Othman who advised the public to maintain cleanliness and hygiene to stem the spread of HFMD.  

“Parents or guardians who have children having symptoms of HFMD should not send the kids to school and take them to public places,” Dr Ghazali told the media.

Low also said initiatives had been taken by the Health Department to contain the spread of the disease and enhance public awareness on HFMD, reported Bernama.